UEFA charges Roma over fans' racist chants at Chelsea game

Roma's Edin Dzeko jumps for the ball with Chelsea's Tiemoue Bakayoko (right) during the Champions League group C match between Chelsea and Roma at Stamford Bridge stadium in London on Wednesday.

NYON, Switzerland (AP):

Roma faces punishment from UEFA over racist chants by fans at a Champions League game at Chelsea this week.

UEFA said yesterday that it opened a disciplinary case over "racist behaviour (monkey chants)" during the 3-3 draw in London on Wednesday.

Television pictures appeared to show the target of abuse was Chelsea defender Antonio Ruediger, who is black. The Germany international joined Chelsea from Roma in the off season after two seasons in Italy.

UEFA's disciplinary panel will judge the case on November16.

In cases of racist abuse, UEFA has ordered a section of a club's stadium to be closed for a Champions League game. Repeated offences have seen games ordered to be played in an empty stadium.

Chelsea visits Rome for the return match on October 31.

The incident happened during a UEFA campaign with discrimination monitoring group Fare to promote diversity and tolerance at games.